The first men’s college basketball Saturday brought an array of thrilling matchups and unexpected upsets. Here’s a closer look at some of the top games from the day.
No. 22 Texas Tech Outlasts No. 6 Houston in an OT Thriller
No. 22 Texas Tech (17-4, 8-2 Big 12) defeated No. 6 Houston (17-4, 9-1 Big 12) in overtime 82-81, breaking Houston’s 33-game home winning streak in a top-ranked Big 12 clash.
This was Texas Tech’s first win against a ranked opponent this season and marked their best 10-game start in Big 12 play in program history.
The game began with drama when Texas Tech star JT Toppin was ejected just four minutes in for a flagrant two foul. Head coach Grant McCasland followed, ejected for arguing the call.
Despite these setbacks, Texas Tech mounted a halftime lead of 41-37. Houston briefly regained the lead but couldn’t hold on, with Texas Tech tying the game at 72 with 26 seconds remaining.
Big time players.
Big time plays.
Big time games. https://t.co/84ZBM1R2C6 pic.twitter.com/aX3OsTTqLe— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) February 2, 2025
In overtime, Texas Tech clinched a 2-point win with a crucial travel violation by J’wan Roberts on Houston with one second left.
The victory ended Houston’s 13-game winning streak, including their longest home winning streak (33 games) and their longest Big 12 winning streak (18 games).
No. 25 UConn Stuns No. 9 Marquette with Hot Shooting
No. 25 UConn (16-6, 8-3 Big East) capitalized on a hot shooting performance to defeat No. 9 Marquette 77-69 on National Marquette Day. Solo Ball led the Huskies with 25 points and seven three-pointers.
The first half saw UConn shoot 63.2% from beyond the arc, building a 22-point lead. Marquette struggled offensively, making just four of their first seven three-point attempts.
Though Marquette tried to rally in the second half, cutting the deficit to single digits multiple times, Ball’s three-point shooting stifled their momentum. His final three-pointer with under two minutes left sealed the upset.
This win snapped Marquette’s six-game winning streak and drops them into a tie for second in the Big East standings.
Baylor Roars Back from 21-Point Deficit to Defeat No. 11 Kansas
In an incredible comeback, unranked Baylor (14-7, 6-4 Big 12) erased a 21-point deficit to shock No. 11 Kansas (15-6, 6-4 Big 12), winning 81-70. It was Kansas’ largest blown lead in history.
60 points in the second half 😤#SicEm | #CultureofJOY pic.twitter.com/SmUsF0QRPP
— Baylor Men’s Basketball (@BaylorMBB) February 1, 2025
Baylor displayed exceptional resilience, scoring 60 points in the second half to secure a stunning victory. The win puts Baylor at 14-7 overall and 6-4 in the Big 12.
With their next game against No. 22 Texas Tech, Baylor faces another tough challenge in a loaded conference.
No. 8 Tennessee Dominates No. 5 Florida in Top-10 Clash
No. 8 Tennessee (18-4, 5-4 SEC) bounced back from a tough loss to Kentucky, defeating No. 5 Florida 64-44 despite playing without star guard Zakai Zeigler.
Tennessee’s defense was crucial, holding Florida to 24.5% from the field. They registered eight steals and five blocks, especially in the first half.
Chaz Lanier led Tennessee with 19 points, five rebounds, and a steal. Jordan Gainey had a solid outing with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
The victory secured Tennessee’s best defensive performance of the season and their fifth win in the SEC.
USC Hands No. 7 Michigan State First Conference Loss
Southern California (13-8, 5-5 Big Ten) claimed its first conference win against a top-10 team since March 9, 2024, defeating No. 7 Michigan State 70-64, ending the Spartans’ 13-game winning streak.
USC started strongly with a 22-7 run, controlling the lead throughout the game. Desmond Claude led the Trojans with 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Wesley Yates added 15 points.
💪 @thewesleyyates_ 💪 https://t.co/EsyGvUaqik
— USC Men’s Basketball (@USC_Hoops) February 1, 2025
Matt Haarms and Antonio Gordon also contributed significantly to USC’s victory. Their defense stifled Michigan State, limiting the Spartans to under 70 points for the first time since January.
Kansas State Pulls Off Road Upset Over No. 3 Iowa State
